WHO IS TINK TANK ANIMATE?

Tink Tank Animate is the brain child of Writer/Director/Animator TAWD b. DORENFELD.Currently, and for the past few years, Mr. Dorenfeld has been an instructor, curriculum developer, and program designer at Los Angeles based Exceptional Minds, the leaders in Trade School Animation for Artists on the Autism Spectrum. Prior and currently, Dorenfeld's 25+ professional career has primarily been Writing/Directing/Producing & Animating Award Winning Feature Films, Music Videos, Commercials, Design, and Online Gaming. It is from the combination of all of these skills that has lead Dorenfeld to become first a special muse for the Artist on the Autism Spectrum, and now a muse for individuals diagnosed with Brain Injuries & Neurocognitive Disorders.

A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a Double Major in Film & Animation along with a Minor in Childrens' Entertainment, and a 20 year veteran of the Los Angeles Film Industry, Dorenfeld has now uprooted from the Hollywood and Indie-wood System to relocate to the ever Inspiring Motor City, Motown, aka Detroit, Michigan in order to expand his services to assist Families and Individuals. Now based more Central in the American landscape, Dorenfeld can service not only the central states, but allows for access and transportation to the East Coast and the Southern States where families may not be so capable of paying the high price of Hotels and Transportation to reach Los Angeles and partake in the Exceptional Minds' programs. This relocation, and expansion of Dorenfeld's instruction is supported in spirit by the Exceptional Minds organization through community connections, business advice support, behavioral support, and the all encompassing, "Go out and inspire the world," attitude that is found in the Special Needs Community. Currently Tink Tank Animate is an Online Organization with the Ultimate Goal to open a large all encompassing Facility in Detroit, MI.

Here is what those in the Community think about Mr. Dorenfeld and his influence in regards to Art and Autism.

PARENT/GUARDIAN TESTIMONIALS -"Tawd is unlike any other teacher Alexandra has ever had. He has this natural way of interacting with special needs students that puts them at ease; it is a genuine natural ability to remain calm and not get rattled by unreasonable behavior. As a parent, you wish all teachers could possess such skills and demeanor. Tawd is that dream teacher that every parent of a special needs child imagines." - Kathy Adlawan, Mother of Alexandra Adlawan

"We wanted to take a minute to thank you for coming into Harry’s life. We have not been this excited about a program since Harry was in kindergarten (13 years ago) and qualified for Music Therapy for his speech goals. When you find a therapy program that truly benefits your child with autism, it’s like finding a pot of gold.

From the very first session you were able to interact with Harry on cognitive and creative levels that were lacking in other programs. My husband walked in from work one day and asked who Harry was talking to….it was the most interactive conversation we have ever heard with Harry! As the program has progressed, we noticed Harry’s passion for animation was showing signs of new development in many areas. Such areas included: self confidence, decision making, constructive feedback, team cooperation, collaborative thinking, active listening, & job skills to boot." - Molly Schad, Mother of Harry Schad

"I cannot express enough the pure joy of watching my son, Aden's confidence begin to soar and to continue to watch him believe in himself after completing his sessions with Tink Tank...Not to mention now amongst his peers he has the reputation of the 'Cool Kid' who make's animated movies." - Barbie Gerkensmeyer, Mother of Aden Gerkensmeyer

PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONIALS -

"[TINK TANK's] approach in which they presume competence and look to problem-solve rather than place limitations, is highly motivating to their artists." -Benjamin Maixner, M. A. BCBAA, Director of Programs Exceptional Minds Studio

"The idea that an organization dedicated to Artists with Learning Disabilities and Autism that is completely focused on storytelling as the basis of all art and communication, is the greatest thing ever. Tink Tank is breeding the next generation of geniuses." - Martin Olson, Emmy Winning Songwriter & Staff Writer of Disney's Phineas and Ferb

“My name is Dr. Lynette Louise and I am commonly referred to as The Brain Broad because I work to improve brain function both at home and abroad. My specialty is autism and has been since I first began adopting multiply challenged children on the spectrum in the mid eighties. I have worked with Tawd Dorenfeld of Tink Tank Animate on several projects all of which either inform people about or directly assist folks on the autism spectrum. Tawd has an uncanny connection and understanding that surpass the typical therapist/artist when it comes to ASD individuals. He understands their need to stay within their own special interests while helping them to comply with the requirements of the technology and the industry itself. Tawd is a very talented person with unique abilities related to animation and ASD. Tawd is patient, flexible and varied in his knowledge of both the population and the desired skill sets. This is a huge plus for the spectrum individual wanting to focus in minute detail on the creations of their mind, creations that may be beyond the realm (and budget) of typical film making. Tink Tank Animate enables the animator to maintain a measure of control as they build their project. This "control" is a much needed aspect in developing an ASD individual’s confidence as they embark on their own personalized careers. Highly recommended.” - Dr. Lynette Louise aka The Brain Broad! International mental health expert and performer

PARTNERS, SUPPORTERS, OTHER INSTRUCTORS,​& VOLUNTEERS

These individuals come and go depending on Events, Number of Clientele, & Expansion

LYNETTE LOUISE,Option Process​Counselor

Lynette Louise has been on the cutting edge of Autism Awareness and Therapy for over 30 years. She uniquely combines her own form of play (playfeedback) with biofeedback for the brain. This very special Brain Broad travels abroad working and speaking in homes and institutions around the globe. Dr. Louise is a producer/host performer of over eighteen web productions that are centered around autism and has, as well, authored five books on various brain change related subjects. She comes to Tink Tank with a rich history of integrating art and autism in conjunction with Tawd b. Dorenfeld.Together they are a driving force in utilizing Play Therapy over stringent Behavioral Modification Techniques. Her track record is stunning. We highly suggest you look into Lynette Louise.​http://www.lynettelouise.com

EXCEPTIONAL MINDSVFX / Animation Trade School for students on the Autism Spectrum

EM is the Yale of Trade School Animation for the Artist on the Autism Spectrum. Together Tink Tank and EM strive to enhance the lives of the Autism Community through the art of animation. With varying Visions and Missions, both Institutions compliment and assist each other in order to open the flood gate for the community unlike other schools who tend to compete for attention. EM trained Dorenfeld and in return Dorenfeld developed the Freelance Education division in order for EM to facilitate some of their students that were not fitting the general mold of typical Animation and VFX employment. Now EM assists Dorenfeld in developing Tink Tank as a completely separate entity focused on Enrichment, Personal Art, & Art Therapy, along with Dorenfeld using Tink Tank as a feeder to EM for students that are more interested and/or suited for Studio Animation/VFX employment.

Exceptional Minds Campus is located in Sherman Oaks, CA.​

THE AUTISM CHANNELRoku

THE AUTISM CHANNEL can be found on your Roku Device and delivers Television Series focused on the world of Autism. The Autism Channel comes to Tink Tank as common supporters of the Autism Community and together has given screen time devoted to Dorenfeld's students.

Coming Soon a full interview with both Tawd b. Dorenfeld & Bi-Lingual Artist on the Spectrum Andres Lerma

As graduate of Cal Arts, S. Frank has continued her work in the field of Arts and Animation with credits that include The Muppets, Disney, & Warner Bros.

First trained in animation at a young age of 12-18 by T. Dorenfeld, whom she has also been employed in Animation Productions as well, Sydney joins Tink Tank Animate to use her own success and triumphs of the Spectrum to develop the Artistic and human confidence of others on the Autism Spectrum.

If ever one wondered what their child on the Spectrum could do for employment later in life, teaching what they love to do, to other's on the Spectrum is a truly honorable career.​

More People Soon

More People Soon

SOME PREVIOUS & CURRENT TINK TANK ARTISTS(note* some students were enrolled in Exceptional Minds under Tawd b. Dorenfeld's instruction)

TYLER CUNNINGHAM - Age 17In a speedy 3 months time (while plowing through his senior year in high school) Tyler single-handedly created his first complete Short Film under the guidance of Tink Tank Animate. Nolan Cook from the popular Art Band The Residents was so impressed he donated music tracks, along with Tom Zarzeki of the infamous Death Cat.

This is the first Tink Tank Animate LLC completed project that will travel through the Film Festival Circuit.

HARRY SCHAD - Age 17Within' a week's time Harry Schad has created his own Greetings Card company "Harryogram," and scooped up his first Freelance Writer/Director/Animator gig for a local bakery. Harry continues to expand his portfolio with Tink Tank where he will now also add Stop Motion Animation into his artillery of creative storytelling.

This is the first Tink Tank Animate LLC "for hire" project that a Tink Tank Artist has obtained.

ALEXANDRA ADLAWAN - Age 24Alexandra has been Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for the past Year and a Half. Their working relationship has Produced a Children's Book, TV Series Bible, and a Number of Short Story Animations. Alexandra excels in Character Development, Writing, and Design of her unique Creative Characters entitled "The Outkasts," who all have "differences," and through storytelling Alexandra's Outkasts show those with Differences and Typicals how similar their daily lives really are. Alexandra currently has completed her Second Childrens' Book and working on her Third and Fourth, while PBS Long Beach will air her Flaw Cards animated short produced at Tink Tank Animate LLC.(Alexandra is currently an Exceptional Minds student, learning with Tawd via the Internet 5 days a week, 2 hours a day.)

ANDRES LERMA - Age 22Andres has been Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for the past 2 years. Their working relationship has Produced two Bi-lingual Animated Series written by Andres and conceptualized by both Lerma and Dorenfeld. Andres does all of his own Design, Animation, Editing, & Soundtracks for his films. In the future Andres hopes to open his own Lerma Studios and continue to supply the world with, "Cute Cartoons that make people happy and learn." Currently Andres and Dorenfeld are Producing Andres Lerma's first self-made Feature Film with a running time of Approx 60mins.(Andres is currently an Exceptional Minds student with Tawd's Finisher Curriculum via the Internet 1 day a week, while continuing 2 days a week on campus at Exceptional Minds learning more of the Principles of Animation. Andres will continue his education in the Exceptional Minds Full Time Department, Fall 2018, to learn more employable skills in the field of Visual Effects, while still producing "Toon Andres the Movie" with Dorenfeld.)​

THADDEUS STAUDER - Age 16Thaddeus was Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for a year and a half at Exceptional Minds. Thaddeus has the gift of storytelling and spends much of his time Drawing and Writing Illustrated Books with his Mom which in turn he produces into Animated Films with the guidance and assistance of Instruction. Considered more "impacted" Dorenfeld helps Thad stay on task and follow step by step instruction in order to complete the Animation on his own. As time passes Thaddeus has become more autonomous in his ways, although like many more "impacted" artists, Thad may always need an Empathetic Producer to help complete his projects. No one should ever feel shame about such assistance. Think about it, when has Spielberg ever made anything on his very own?(Thaddeus is currently an Exceptional Minds student who in fact benefits more with in person one-on-one instruction than virtual internet instruction and therefore has continued his time in his Local Area attending private lessons at Exceptional Minds. In time Dorenfeld hopes to be reunited with Thad to Produce more of his work.)

EZRA FIELDS-MEYER - Age 22Ezra was Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for a year and a half at Exceptional Minds. Prior to Dorenfeld's guidance, Ezra was under the training and collaborating with one of the Founders of Animation for Autism, Howie Hoffman. Ezra excels in writing and conceptualizing. With design and storyboard guidance from Mr. Hoffman, Ezra began the above short "Pet Store," and then under Dorenfeld's guidance Ezra and Tawd took the storyboard and design and completed the entire project. Recognizing that Cut-Out Animation was a bit too challenging for Ezra to complete without hands-on guidance, both Ezra and Tawd agreed his next works should be hand-drawn so Ezra could find more autonomy in his work, something Ezra has taken great pride in, and his parents appreciate as they see their son find ways to express himself more and more on his own.(Ezra is currently an Exceptional Minds student who, much like Thaddeus, benefits more with in person one-on-one instruction than virtual internet instruction and therefore has continued his time in his Local Area attending private lessons at Exceptional Minds. In time Dorenfeld hopes to be reunited with Thad to Produce more of his work.)

WORKSHOP STUDENTSAges range from 12 - 24

WORKSHOP STUDENTS went through a 2 week workshop under Dorenfeld's guidance where classes of 5-10 students Produce their own individual Short Animated Films. These workshops do not teach the use of the Animate App. These workshops are designed to guide students in the Completion of a Story created by them. As in life, some students have more experience than others, but none-the-less those with less experience are assisted in ways and techniques to use their limited knowledge of the App to express themselves in a full manner. You do not have to animate as well as Walt Disney to express yourself to the fullest. Remember, a picture says a thousand words, therefore, a moving picture must tell a million.

Sign Up with Tink Tank Animate today and see your work, or your son or daughter's work here...and you never know, maybe someone will find their work inspiring and commission them to make something special, but remember, it is personal expression that opens the doors for communication which opens the doors to the world which brings value to your time with us in society.